On 1 April, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner released updated guidance about relaxing the requirement for fixed-term pre-use inspections (PMIs) under certain conditions. First, the PMI schedule of stationary fleet vehicles can be considered to be frozen while they are parked up. Second, the PMI schedule itself can be stretched by up to half again, or up to 17 weeks. Third, if a vehicle has exceeded its normal PMI, or an extended PMI period [but less than 17 weeks], “a technically competent person (technician if possible) is to carry out an enhanced walkaround check.”
This includes tyre pressure measurement and brake performance test. It adds: “The brake performance test, if not undertaken on a roller brake tester, will include a measured temperature check of the brakes after a road test. The temperatures are to be recorded and retained.” Finally, it stipulates that, regardless of combination of relaxations, no vehicle will be put into service if more than 17 weeks has elapsed since the last full PMI.
CheckedSafe’s new enhanced walkaround checks, part of a smartphone-based app, enable users to check the general health of the vehicle or equipment and also enable the recording of tyre and brake information. The new enhanced walkaround checks will be stored against the vehicle registration number and show a chronological timeline of event.
A link to the revised OTC advice from 1 April in full (enhanced walkaround checks are point 7) is below.
UPDATED 21 APRIL 9:45am: The text has been edited to clarify the difference between PMIs and pre-use checks. PMIs are in-depth vehicle inspections carried out by vehicle technicians on a regular basis, often every six weeks. Pre-use checks are carried out daily by a driver. The new enhanced walk-around checks include some aspects of PMIs.